Good Problems

Yesterday I had the opportunity to hang out with a few 4th graders and hear the daily adventures of school lunch rooms, bus rides, and relationships. One boy relayed a story of when his younger sister ran on the bus, wrapped him up in a big hug and told him, "I love you." Much to his chagrin, teasing from the boys standing around began to fill his ears. He was mortified to be caught by his peers "loving his little sister". 

An insightful adult sitting with us and hearing the story said, "Well, I think that's a good problem to have!"

Good problem? Those words hit the kids and took us down a path of processing that sounded like this:

How can there be such a thing? 
A problem is something that needs fixed. 
And if something needs fixed it is broken. 
And if it's broken that is bad. 
So, there can't be a good problem. 
The two words don't go together. 

The simplicity of this logic caused me to pause and wonder how many adults struggle with this same idea? I certainly have labeled my problems incorrectly at times. So, what does make a good problem?

Good problems stretch us. Beyond our comfort zone, our culture around us, and what we have accomplished so far - a good problem is an opportunity to grow into a new idea, stage, or skill set.

Good problems cause us to dig deep. A simple surface treatment of the situation is not enough - a good problem is an opportunity to look inside and ask the harder questions about our identity, values, and goals. 

Good problems are defining. It is the time we decide our best yes and what we say no to - a good problem is a crossroads where you get to choose what your life will be. 

Living your best life will most certainly include good problems. They are the Wheaties that make you strong to overcome resistance and challenges that arise throughout your life.

Here's to all of us and embracing our good problems!